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Managing Your Finances More Efficiently

April 30, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

One of the biggest challenges for small business owners is often financial management.

Small businesses typically operate with limited resources, making it crucial for owners to effectively manage their finances to ensure sustainability and growth.

So many people are starting their own businesses – more than ever before and the thought of managing the financial aspect of these companies can be quite intimidating to the lone entrepreneur.

Let us help.

Here are the Top 10 financial management challenges for small business owners and our proven management techniques for mitigating these issues:

1. Challenge: Cash Flow Management: Maintaining a healthy cash flow is essential for covering day-to-day expenses, paying suppliers, and investing in growth opportunities. However, fluctuations in revenue and unexpected expenses can disrupt cash flow, making it challenging to meet financial obligations on time.

Techniques to Overcome:

Bill clients in advance – set a block of time and bill for it. Once consumed, bill more.
Review accounts needed to be replenished every week, and bill them every week
Don’t carry debt. Pay your company credit cards every time a balance is over $500 and pay it all.
Create multiple streams of income so money is always coming in
Always pay yourself first. I know, I know, there are a million other places you can put income before paying yourself, but it is critical to your business that you do

2. Access to Capital: Small businesses often struggle to secure funding for expansion, equipment purchases, or other capital-intensive projects. Limited access to traditional financing options like bank loans can hinder growth and innovation.

Techniques to Overcome:

Having little to no accounts payable (aka debt) helps you know exactly how much you can afford to spend
Keep impeccable data – if you do have to get a loan or other financing, you’ll need to prove the records for your company. Impeccable records inspires confidence by the lender.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting: Developing accurate budgets and financial forecasts is critical for planning and decision-making. However, many small business owners lack the financial expertise or tools to create realistic projections, leading to overspending or missed opportunities.

Techniques to Overcome:

Understand no budget or forecast is 100% accurate, ever – this will take the pressure off
Hire someone to teach you how to budget or forecast or take an online class or outsource this task
Understand your priorities. Keeping your goals and priorities aligned prevents you from overspending or misspending

4. Debt Management: Small businesses may accumulate debt through loans, credit lines, or other financing arrangements. Managing debt levels and making timely payments while minimizing interest costs can be challenging, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

See item 1
Paying your credit card in full several times per month dramatically improves your credit rating and ensures available cash goes to pay off debt.
Fast pay your vendors (at least within two weeks) ensures you are not carrying unnecessary debt, improves your vendor relationship and helps guarantee you get priority attention when there is an emergency

5. Tax Compliance: Navigating complex tax regulations and staying compliant with local, state, and federal tax laws can be overwhelming for small business owners. Failing to file taxes accurately and on time can result in penalties and legal consequences.

Techniques to Overcome:

Accurate and timely tracking of expenses is necessary to allow your business to take full advantage of deductions and to reduce your tax liability
Hire a bookkeeper who can maintain your data
Engage a responsible and experienced accountant – have them do quarterly reviews of your accounting system, yearly reviews and do your taxes
Don’t be afraid to stretch your capabilities

6. Cost Control: Controlling expenses is essential for maintaining profitability and competitiveness. However, identifying cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction requires careful analysis and strategic decision-making.

Techniques to Overcome:

Learn the difference between Cost of Goods Sold and Overhead – the more you can reduce overhead the more profitable your business is
Invest in good technology which nearly always saves time and money, but make sure it is one that does not require a lot of recurring transactions

7. Risk Management: Small businesses face various risks, including economic downturns, market competition, and cybersecurity threats. Developing risk management strategies to mitigate these risks and protect the business’s assets and reputation is a constant challenge.

Techniques to Overcome:

Diversify your services – the more different services you offer, the less vulnerable you are to changes beyond your control
Never stop improving – even when business is slow, there are actions to take that will position you for the massive gain coming your way when the economy or business starts up again

8. Human Resources Management: Hiring, training, and retaining skilled employees is crucial for small business success. However, competing for talent with larger companies and providing competitive wages and benefits can strain limited resources.

Techniques to Overcome:

Determine the look of your company in the future
Evaluate your price point to make sure you are charging enough to allow you to pay a competitive wage while still making a profit
Adopt the ‘make your employees rich and they’ll make your business rich’ rule

9. Technology Adoption: Keeping up with advancements in technology and incorporating digital tools into business operations can enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer experience. However, investing in technology and ensuring staff are trained to use it effectively can be daunting for small businesses with tight budgets.

Techniques to Overcome:

Limit the number of apps or systems used to manage your business
Outsource system training
Invest in existing policies and procedures so you don’t ‘reinvent the wheel’

10. Adapting to Change: Small businesses must remain agile and adaptable to navigate changing market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry trends. However, resistance to change or lack of resources for innovation can hinder growth and lead to stagnation.

Techniques to Overcome:

Adopt the ‘sell with an empty bench’ process
Under promise and over deliver
Allow your customers to take you in new directions
Don’t be afraid to stretch your capabilities

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of financial acumen, strategic planning, and resourcefulness. Seeking guidance from financial advisors, mentors, and industry experts can help small business owners overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success.

Does all this seem like an overwhelming number of things to do and know? Maybe. But all of these challenges are faced by all entrepreneurs and you may not realize it, but you are likely already managing many of these without even realizing it.

The most important piece of advice we can offer is this:

Don’t give up, never surrender!!

If you keep moving forward every single day of every single week of every single year, you’ll quickly realize you ‘made it’! To build a company out of nothing takes persistence, tenacity, a willingness to face your fears and to be willing to ‘just do it’. If a decision turns out to be the wrong one, chalk it up to experience, change directions and keep going. I believe in you!

The Winds of Change Are Blowing!

April 16, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Hello, fellow small business owner! Have you felt it? The winds of change are blowing, and it seems like this year is shaping up to be a year of transitions.

But fear not, my friend, for amidst the uncertainty lies great opportunity.

Why Change is Nothing New for Entrepreneurs

As small business owners, we’re no strangers to change. We thrive on adaptability, innovation, and the ability to pivot when necessary. And in a year like this, those skills are more valuable than ever.

So, what does this year of transitions mean for us? It means embracing change with open arms and a resilient spirit. It means being proactive rather than reactive, anticipating shifts in the market and adjusting our strategies accordingly.

One of the most significant transitions we’re facing is the evolving landscape of work. Remote work, hybrid models, flexible schedules—these are no longer just buzzwords but the new reality of how we operate.

As small business owners, we must embrace these changes and find ways to support our teams and customers in this transition.

Understanding and Meeting Evolving Consumer Needs

But it’s not just our work environment that’s changing; consumer behavior is also in flux. The way people shop, dine, and interact with businesses is evolving, driven by shifts in technology, demographics, and societal norms. As small business owners, we must stay attuned to these changes and adapt our offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of our customers.

Moreover, this year of transitions presents us with an opportunity to reevaluate and reinvent our businesses. Perhaps it’s time to streamline our operations, add technology, diversify our revenue streams, or explore new markets. Let’s use this moment of transition to innovate and reimagine what’s possible for our businesses.

Adding technology to your small business isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential for staying competitive and improving efficiencies. By embracing technology, you can streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, make data-driven decisions, and stay agile in the face of change—all of which set you apart from other similar companies and position you for long-term success in today’s digital age.

Of course, navigating transitions can be challenging, especially for small businesses with limited resources. But remember, we’re not in this alone. Let’s lean on our networks, seek advice from mentors, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs. Together, we can weather the storms of change and emerge stronger on the other side.

So, fellow small business owner, as we navigate this year of transitions, let’s embrace change as an opportunity for growth and transformation!

Final Thoughts: Let’s Lead with Resilience

Let’s adapt, innovate, and lead with resilience. The future is ours to shape, and I have every confidence that we’ll rise to the occasion and thrive amidst the transitions.

Here’s to a year of transitions—a year of resilience, innovation, and endless possibilities. Let’s make it our best year yet.

The Benefits of a Messy Desk!

April 2, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

In our daily grind, our desks often become the epicenter of our work universe—our sanctuary, our command center.

But oh, how quickly chaos can ensue! Papers pile up, pens run amok, and sticky notes multiply like rabbits. Yes, I’m talking about the messy desk.

The Unexpected Upside of a Messy Desk

Clutter Can Spark Creativity

Let’s start with the bright side, shall we? The benefits of a messy desk, believe it or not, do exist. For starters, a cluttered workspace can spark creativity. Amidst the disarray, hidden gems of inspiration may reveal themselves, triggering innovative ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s like a treasure hunt for your brain!

Furthermore, a messy desk can be a testament to productivity. That towering stack of papers may look daunting, but each document represents progress—a task completed, a project in motion. It’s tangible evidence of your hard work and dedication, a visual reminder of all that you’ve accomplished.

When Clutter Becomes a Problem

Productivity Takes a Hit

But before you start celebrating the mess, let’s not overlook the drawbacks. A cluttered desk can hinder productivity and efficiency. Digging through piles of papers to find that elusive document? Not exactly a recipe for success. Time wasted searching for misplaced items could be better spent tackling your to-do list.

Moreover, a messy desk can be a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. The constant visual reminder of unfinished tasks and looming deadlines can weigh heavily on your psyche, making it difficult to focus and stay motivated. And let’s not forget about the physical clutter—knocking over stacks of paper or tripping over stray cords is a surefire way to disrupt your workflow and your mood.

So, where does that leave us? Is a messy desk a blessing or a curse? Well, like most things in life, it’s a bit of both. Embracing the chaos can unleash creativity and serve as a badge of productivity, but too much clutter can impede efficiency and contribute to stress.

Ultimately, the key lies in finding balance. Embrace the mess when it sparks creativity or reflects your hard work, but don’t let it spiral out of control. Take time to declutter and organize your workspace, creating a harmonious environment that fosters productivity and peace of mind.

How to Create a Serene, Productive Workspace

Um… but exactly how do you create a serene oasis of productivity? Fear not, my friend! Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your desk organized and your sanity intact:

Declutter Regularly: Set aside time each week to declutter your desk. Toss out unnecessary papers, file important documents, and clear away any clutter that’s accumulated.
Designate Zones: Divide your desk into zones based on function. Have a dedicated space for work essentials like your computer, notebook, and pens, as well as separate areas for incoming and outgoing paperwork.
Invest in Storage Solutions: Get creative with storage solutions to maximize space on your desk. Use trays, bins, or drawers to corral loose items like paper clips, sticky notes, and USB drives.
Keep It Clean: Make it a habit to wipe down your desk regularly to keep dust and grime at bay. A clean workspace not only looks better but can also boost your mood and productivity
Go Vertical: Take advantage of vertical space by adding shelves or hanging organizers above your desk. This frees up valuable desktop real estate and keeps frequently used items within reach.
Use Technology Wisely: Embrace digital tools to reduce paper clutter. Scan documents and store them electronically and utilize cloud storage for easy access to files from anywhere.
Create a Filing System: If you simply must have paper, establish a filing system for important documents to keep them organized and easily accessible. Label folders or use color-coding to categorize items by topic or project.
Tackle One Thing at a Time: Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to tackle the entire mess at once. Instead, focus on one area or task at a time, whether it’s sorting through papers or tidying up your desktop.
Develop Daily Habits: Incorporate simple habits into your daily routine to maintain a tidy desk. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day tidying up and putting things back in their designated spots.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to maintaining an organized desk. Make a commitment to yourself to stick to your organizational system and resist the urge to let clutter accumulate.

Desk Nirvana Is Possible

By implementing these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to achieving desk nirvana—a clutter-free zone where productivity thrives and chaos fears to tread. So, go ahead, let your desk reflect your creative genius and your unstoppable work ethic. Messy? Clean? Both work! Just clean it up every now and then…. You’ll thank yourself (eventually!)

Knowing When to Let Go: A Guide to Recognizing Unprofitable Services and Transitioning Gracefully

March 19, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

Since you started a lifestyle management company, it’s a safe bet you have a caregiver mentality

You like to make people happy, provide services that simplify their lives and get your sense of personal validation by making a difference in the world.

And, if you’re like me, not only do you let your clients influence the types of services you provide; you also recognize opportunities when they present themselves. This is especially true for potential revenue generating opportunities.

As an entrepreneur, new revenue generating opportunities are irresistible.

In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. One crucial aspect of maintaining a successful venture is knowing when to let go of services that are no longer profitable. But how do you recognize when it’s time to pull the plug?

First and foremost, keep a close eye on the numbers. If a service consistently fails to generate revenue or, worse, incurs losses despite your best efforts, it may be a clear indication that it’s time to reevaluate its viability. Additionally, consider the opportunity cost—could the resources allocated to this service be better utilized elsewhere in your business?

Moreover, listen to feedback from your team and clients. Are there recurring complaints or concerns about the service? Are clients increasingly seeking alternatives? Paying attention to these signals can provide valuable insights into the service’s effectiveness and its place within your business model.

Once you’ve made the decision to discontinue a service, the next step is to communicate this to your clients in a way that respects their needs and maintains goodwill. Transparency is key here. Be honest about the reasons behind the decision, whether it’s financial considerations or a shift in company focus.

Clients will appreciate your candor and understanding.

Offer alternatives whenever possible. Whether it’s recommending similar services from other providers or assisting clients in transitioning to alternative solutions within your business, providing options demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction.

Remember, the way you handle the transition can significantly impact your reputation and future relationships with clients. Aim for professionalism, empathy, and a willingness to assist throughout the process.

In the business world, revenue is often seen as the ultimate measure of success. However, it’s essential to recognize that revenue alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Stress reduction and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are equally—if not more—important considerations.

Continuing to provide unprofitable services can not only drain financial resources but also take a toll on both your mental and emotional well-being and that of your employees. Constantly struggling to keep afloat can lead to burnout and diminish the overall quality of your work.

By letting go of unprofitable services, you free up time, energy, and resources to focus on initiatives that align with your business goals and contribute positively to your overall well-being. Remember, a healthier, happier you translate to better outcomes for your business in the long run.

As a business owner, it is a crucial skill to recognize and admit when a service is no longer profitable.

This does not mean you failed. Quite the contrary. Objectively evaluating your company, your goals and the services you provide is an indicator of a mature, business savvy owner.

By staying vigilant, communicating openly and respectfully with clients, and prioritizing well-being over revenue, you can navigate the transition smoothly and position your business for continued success.

The Temptation of Discounts and the Biggest Time Suck for Business Owners!

March 5, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

You all know I am the ‘No Discount’ Queen of the Lifestyle Management industry. Just say no. No matter what. But, like all human beings, I too am tempted by an easy discount.

Unfortunately, this discount can lead to a huge waste of time for everyone, but especially for us as small business owners because we have the luxury of self-managing our work day.

In an era where online shopping reigns supreme, it’s no secret that retailers employ various tactics to entice customers to make purchases. One common strategy is offering discounts or special offers in exchange for signing up for email promotions.

While the allure of saving money may be enticing at first glance, the unintended consequence of this practice is the inundation of promotional emails that can quickly overwhelm your inbox.

Let’s explore the journey from the initial temptation of discounts to the eventual takeover of your inbox and I will provide tips for managing email overload without sacrificing savings.

It all begins innocently enough. You’re browsing an online store, adding items to your cart, when a pop-up appears offering a tempting discount if you sign up for their email newsletter. “Why not?” you think to yourself. After all, who doesn’t love saving money? With a few keystrokes, you eagerly enter your email address and complete your purchase, feeling a sense of satisfaction at snagging a deal.

Little do you realize that by agreeing to receive promotional emails, you’ve unwittingly opened the floodgates to a deluge of marketing messages. In the days and weeks that follow, your inbox becomes inundated with a seemingly endless stream of emails—special offers, sales alerts, product recommendations, and more—all vying for your attention and tempting you to make additional purchases.

Before long, your inbox begins to resemble a battlefield, with promotional emails waging war for supremacy. Amidst the chaos, important messages from colleagues, clients, or loved ones are buried beneath a mountain of marketing missives. Your once sacred sanctuary for communication has been infiltrated and overrun by relentless promotions, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

And at this point, I must embarrassingly admit this happened to me. Every few hours, I found myself facing at least 300 emails in my inbox and as many as 500+. It would take several hours to clean through them; mostly because as a self-proclaimed professional online addict er, shopper, the flashy ads promising even more discounts would grab my attention and I’d have to ‘just take a look’. FOMO at its best!

Eventually, I found myself missing vendor quotes and other time sensitive communications. I was wasting a good 4 hours per day and ultimately, it got so bad, I looked at my inbox with dread. It was bad. Seriously bad.

That’s when I realized, it was time to make a drastic change.

So, how can you reclaim control over your inbox without sacrificing the savings that initially lured you into this predicament? Here are three tips to help you navigate the deluge of promotional emails:

Unsubscribe Strategically: Take stock of the promotional emails cluttering your inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters that no longer serve your interests or provide value. Be ruthless in cutting ties with brands that bombard you with irrelevant messages.
Use Pinterest: For those emails I really want to look at for shopping, I go to the website and ‘save’ that site to Pinterest. That way, I know I can find it again without receiving repeat marketing emails. And it cures FOMO too, because I know those products are saved to a place where I can find them again when I’m ready to shop.
Create Filters and Folders: Use email filters and folders to automatically categorize incoming messages from retailers. This allows you to maintain a clutter-free inbox while keeping promotional emails accessible for when you’re in the mood to shop. I do this with Pinterest emails.

If you use Pinterest, you know they send multiple emails per day with ideas for things which you’ve already expressed interest. These emails can become a rabbit hole. I love crafting and cannot resist a Pinterest recommendation for a new craft technique. If I let myself, I can spend hours on just these emails.

So they are automatically diverted into a folder for Pinterest specifically and when I do have time to Pinterest surf, I know right were to go.

Some people recommend setting boundaries and only checking your email at specific times throughout the day. That won’t work for me (and likely not you) as we need to be responsive to the needs of clients and we need to process quotes quickly as well.

The final recommendation popular these days to reduce email is to opt for alternative communication channels such as texting or alerts. To me, these are just as invasive as excessive emails (and I’m not a texter) so this isn’t a viable option for me.

After spending a day posting sites to Pinterest and unsubscribing from all those emails, I now only receive 75-100 emails – mostly internal communications – even if I’m away from my inbox for several hours.

Honestly, it feels like a weight has been lifted. I don’t think we truly realize how much of a time suck or how oppressive it is to have to manage so many emails. I sure didn’t.

While the allure of discounts may be irresistible, the unintended consequence of signing up for email newsletters is the inundation of promotional messages that can quickly overwhelm your inbox and thus you.

By recognizing the signs of email overload and implementing strategies for managing promotional emails effectively, you can strike a balance between saving money and maintaining control over your digital domain. After all, a clutter-free inbox is the ultimate discount for your peace of mind.

Navigating Entrepreneurship: The Strategic Importance of Exit Strategies

February 20, 2024/in Blog/by Leslie Spoor

In the whirlwind of excitement surrounding the launch of a new business, one crucial aspect often gets relegated to the back burner: planning your exit strategy.

Yes, you read that right!

While it may seem counterintuitive to think about parting ways before you’ve even begun, crafting an exit strategy from the outset is a strategic imperative that lays the groundwork for your eventual separation while maximizing value along the way.

Why is an Exit Strategy Essential?

An exit strategy isn’t just a contingency plan for when things go south; it’s a roadmap that shapes your entire entrepreneurial journey. By defining your exit strategy early on, you set clear objectives and milestones, ensuring alignment between your short-term actions and long-term goals. Whether you’re eyeing an IPO, acquisition, or passing the torch to a successor, having a well-thought-out plan in place attracts investors, aligns stakeholders, and guides decision-making.

Creating Value through Exit Strategies

Contrary to popular belief, an exit strategy isn’t solely about cashing out; it’s about creating value for all stakeholders involved. By planning your exit strategically, you’re not just securing your own future; you’re also maximizing returns for investors, empowering employees, and ensuring a smooth transition for customers. Whether it’s optimizing operations, streamlining processes, or fostering strategic partnerships, every step you take with your exit strategy in mind adds value to your business.

It’s Never Too Late to Plan Your Exit

While it’s ideal to define your exit strategy at the outset, it’s never too late to start planning. Whether you’re just starting out or already knee-deep in the entrepreneurial trenches, taking the time to craft an exit strategy can yield significant benefits. Assess your current position, evaluate your options, and chart a course that aligns with your goals and values. Remember, the key is to be proactive, adaptable, and open to change.

In Conclusion

Crafting an exit strategy when starting a new business isn’t just about planning for the end; it’s about setting the stage for success from day one. By envisioning your eventual separation, you’re not only building a strong foundation for your business but also creating value for all stakeholders involved. So, whether you’re just starting out or well on your way, take the time to plan your exit strategy, and pave the path to a prosperous future

Managing Your Finances More Efficiently

The Winds of Change Are Blowing!

Why Change is Nothing New for Entrepreneurs

Understanding and Meeting Evolving Consumer Needs

Final Thoughts: Let’s Lead with Resilience

The Benefits of a Messy Desk!

The Unexpected Upside of a Messy Desk

Clutter Can Spark Creativity

When Clutter Becomes a Problem

Productivity Takes a Hit

How to Create a Serene, Productive Workspace

Desk Nirvana Is Possible

Knowing When to Let Go: A Guide to Recognizing Unprofitable Services and Transitioning Gracefully

The Temptation of Discounts and the Biggest Time Suck for Business Owners!

Navigating Entrepreneurship: The Strategic Importance of Exit Strategies

Yes, you read that right!

Why is an Exit Strategy Essential?

Creating Value through Exit Strategies

It’s Never Too Late to Plan Your Exit

In Conclusion

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Our Services

Contact Information

Archive for category: Blog

Why Change is Nothing New for Entrepreneurs

Understanding and Meeting Evolving Consumer Needs

Final Thoughts: Let’s Lead with Resilience

The Unexpected Upside of a Messy Desk

Clutter Can Spark Creativity

When Clutter Becomes a Problem

Productivity Takes a Hit

How to Create a Serene, Productive Workspace

Desk Nirvana Is Possible

Yes, you read that right!

Why is an Exit Strategy Essential?

Creating Value through Exit Strategies

It’s Never Too Late to Plan Your Exit

In Conclusion

Sign up for our newsletter!

Site Links

Our Services

Contact Information